Martinborough golf club is mourning the passing of Lance Phelps, a top player who has held the low round at the club for more than 20 years with a score of 61 – that’s 11 strokes under the course par of 72.
Lance was a larger-than-life character and a champion Wellington golfer as well as excelling in many other sports. There will be many golfers in the Wairarapa and beyond who have experienced a round with Lance.
The club was proud to hold the refreshments following Lance’s funeral service on 10 March. There was a great turnout and Lance would have been very proud to see the new clubhouse in full flow. Some colourful stories were recounted about Lance which affirmed his larger-than-life personality. He will be sadly missed by club members and the wider Martinborough community.
The first big club competition for the year, the Dick Bennett Memorial, was held on Sunday 23 March. A great turn out of around 30 teams enjoyed fabulous weather. Kelly and Mark Taylor were the victors but only after Kelly’s ball was rescued from its remarkable landing part-way up a tree! She decided not to use her ‘tree’ iron and, thankfully, the extra shot did not impact their over-all winning score.
March has been an extremely busy month for men’s and ladies interclub competitions, which were happening weekly. The men are well into their competitions and currently Division 9 are leading their division, Division 2 second and Division 12 fifth.
The ladies competitions have only just started; however they are currently leading the Tilson Salver.
On 3 March Martinborough hosted a round of the Wellington region 9-hole Ladies Interclub competition. There were 12 teams of four players from as far as Otaki and Miramar. The visiting players were impressed with the new clubhouse and its facilities. A scrumptious buffet lunch was provided by Tennessee.
The clubhouse continues to be a popular venue for not only golfers but locals and visitors coming for a drink and food. The first group to use the venue for a function was the Little Miracles Trust who provide support to families who have premature babies. They held a quiz night on Friday 22 March. It was a great night and proved the venue will be a popular option. Keep up to date on all club news on Facebook and website: martinboroughgolfclub.co.nz.
